Touching heartstrings on missing children

Directed by Peter Chan, Dearest, based on the kidnapping and selling of children in China, features several Chinese stars including Zhao Wei, Huang Bo, Tong Dawei, Hao Lei, Zhang Yi and Zhang Yuqi. Photo provided to China Daily

Celebs attend premiere of film 'Dearest'

Challenge helps Zhao Wei uncover emotions

Huang Bo, the film's lead actor, also made public the cellphone number for Sun Haiyang, the father who lost his son seven years ago, and whose account inspired parts of the film.

"What makes this film meaningful is the awareness of the social problem, and that there's need for greater security of children," wrote lead actress Zhao Wei on her micro blog.

Huang, himself the father of a 3-year-old girl, announced Sun's contact details on Happy Quarter, one of the most popular TV shows in China.

Viral marketing played an important role in the film's success as well, according to Yang Dameng, who runs his own film marketing agency.

"The box office of Dearest kept rising after its premiere, which is unusual. It only happens when a film has an excellent reputation and gets enough public attention," Yang says.

He described Breakup Buddies as the "most traditional holiday film", with a lot of easy jokes, bold sex scenes, beautiful girls and misadventures - a formula that is bound to sell.

"But Dearest is about such an important topic. I am so glad to see it win over audiences."